Deku’s Struggle to Surpass All Might in My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is reaching its conclusion in the manga, with only one chapter remaining at the time of writing. There is a general sentiment that Izuku “Deku”Midoriya may not be able to surpass his mentor, All Might, especially given the limited time left for the story to end.

All Might was Deku’s mentor throughout the My Hero Academia manga, and they greatly influenced each other. Despite this, there is a prevailing belief that Deku did not achieve the same level of greatness as All Might. This perspective is intriguing as it highlights the diverse opinions within the fandom and what qualities each reader values in a hero within this story.

Please note: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Deku’s Potential in My Hero Academia

It can be argued that Deku never quite reached the same level as All Might, both in terms of storytelling and accomplishments in the series. Although Deku may have been stronger than his mentor during his final showdown with Tomura Shigaraki, author Kohei Horikoshi did not emphasize this fact.

When it comes to writing, All Might has consistently been one of the most captivating figures in the series, drawing in a majority of viewers and readers. With his innate charm and unwavering principles, as well as iconic scenes like his epic showdown against All For One in Kamino, he has solidified his position as a beloved fan-favorite and potentially the most beloved character in the series.

Additionally, the journey of witnessing All Might’s role as the Symbol of Hope, risking everything to protect others, was incredibly compelling and emotional. Despite losing One For All, he persevered until the very end, making for a narrative that some readers may have found more captivating than Deku’s journey, although opinions on this may vary.

The Counterarguments Against This Perception

All Might and Deku as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha).

Despite the fact that Deku may not have had the same level of impact on the My Hero Academia audience as All Might, it can also be argued that this was never the author’s intention. Throughout the story, Horikoshi consistently portrays All Might’s need to carry the burden of hero society alone as a flaw rather than a virtue. This further emphasizes the idea that Deku’s journey is not about trying to surpass All Might, but rather finding his own path to becoming a hero.

Deku embodies a fresh perspective on hero society, where individuals can unite to build a brighter future for all. This was exemplified during the ultimate showdown with All For One, as numerous heroes rushed to the aid of our protagonist. It is a distinct approach to heroism, in contrast to All Might’s methods, and is sure to spark differing opinions among fans.

Concluding Remarks

Many people in the My Hero Academia fandom found All Might to be a more compelling character than Deku. However, it is important to note that they have differing approaches to heroism. Therefore, personal preferences play a significant role in determining one’s opinion.

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